“The land divides us, the sea unites", Norwegians have said for centuries. The sea here carves a 1,100-mile-long coastline (longer than the U.S. west coast) and on this 16-day expedition explore almost the full-length of its varied contours––from the jaw-droppingly lovely Norwegian fjordlands to the heart-pounding icescapes of Svalbard. Venture far off the beaten track plied by big cruise ships.

Day 2 Nordfjord

Today enter lovely Nordfjord, the "gateway to the glaciers". Spend the morning at the end of the fjord, where you are transported up the Loen Valley via coach through some incredibly beautiful scenes: a turquoise-colored lake on one side and breathtaking mountains all around. A number of relatively flat trails lead along valleys shaped by massive glaciers (more strenuous hikes are also an option). Walk to a tongue of the large Briksdal Glacier. This afternoon be on deck as your ship sails back out of the fjord amid high peaks.

Day 4-5 Explore the Fjords of Norway

The coast of Central Norway is rugged with mountainous islands and steep-walled fjords. The Expedition Leader and Captain discuss with the local Norwegian pilots the many landing possibilities where options are many: Zodiac along vertical rock faces, paddle serenely in a deep fjord surrounded by cascading waterfalls, or venture ashore for a hike with your naturalist staff. There are a number of special places to discover, including Melfjord. This narrow channel is surrounded by high granite cliffs polished smooth by massive glaciers, and is one of the most spectacular spots on your voyage.

Day 6 Lofoten Islands

The Lofoten Archipelago is an enchanting area of picturesque villages by the sea backed with jagged peaks. By Zodiac, view nesting seabirds: Atlantic puffins, razorbills, and guillemots. Later, go ashore on the island of Vaeroy, where cod fishing is still a major part of the economy. Be on deck as your expedition ship cruises into one of the most famous fjords in Norway, the short yet dramatic Trollfjord, and search the cliffs for Norway's mythical beings: trolls.

Day 7 Tysfjorden

There’s no denying that the Norwegian fjords are beautiful, and on the days to come explore places along the Norwegian coastline that raise the standard of landscape-pulchritude to new heights. National Geographic Explorer enters Tysfjorden, where mile after mile of vertical walls surround and only a few small villages cling to the rocky shores. Zodiac and kayak along steep-walled fjords, and find inspiration in the birch forests and tumbling waterfalls. The u-shaped valley of Hellemobotn cuts nearly to Sweden and has a trail to hike almost to the border.

Day 8 Tromso

Tromso is known as the “gateway to the Arctic” because so many Arctic expeditions originated here. Visit the Polar Museum and the Arctic Cathedral, where the unique architecture evokes snow and icebergs.

Day 10-14 Explore Svalbard

Svalbard lies north of the Arctic Circle, where the summer midnight sun never sets. In true expedition style, let nature dictate your day-to-day movements here and this, by the way, is one of the great attractions of this expedition. A flexible itinerary and years of experience here allow your expert crew to take the best advantage of ice and weather conditions. With your fully stabilized, ice-class expedition ship, be able to probe deep into the ice where polar bears hunt. Join spotters on the Bridge, scanning the ice and islands for huge walrus, bearded and ringed seals, arctic foxes, reindeer, some of the largest whales on Earth — and polar bears. A sighting brings everyone rushing in excitement to the ship’s bow!

Your expert staff gets you out daily. Depending on conditions, you may land on Edgeøya to hike the tundra, abloom with summer wildflowers. You may sail deep into Hornsund, where even first-time kayakers can paddle in a quiet cove surrounded by sparkling bergs. Venture to the stunning Monacobreen glacier, or get close-up views of the iconic creatures of the ice by Zodiac. Back aboard, view underwater video from a ROV taken 1,000 feet below the surface, or spend time on deck with a National Geographic Photographer getting tips in an inspiring landscape. Every day is different, every day an adventure.

Day 15 Disembark in Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen | Fly to Oslo, Norway

1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

Disembark in Longyearbyen and visit the Svalbard Art Gallery and Museum. Then, proceed to the airport for your charter flight (not included in cruise fare) to Oslo. Check in to the SAS Radisson Blu Airport Hotel for an overnight in Oslo.

Day 16 Oslo | Return Home

1 Breakfast

Following breakfast, check out of your Oslo hotel and connect to your return flights home.

We Love to Talk Travel

Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!